Colorado State University announced last week a groundbreaking program to help assure qualified middle- and lower-income Colorado students can afford an education at one of the nation’s top research universities. Colorado State administrators were joined by Gov. Bill Ritter to unveil the “Colorado State University Commitment to Colorado” at the Capitol this morning.

Douglas Bruce, a former one-term state representative from Colorado Springs, was cited for contempt of court on Wednesday by a Denver District court judge, after the self-proclaimed anti-tax crusader failed to testify about the identity of who bankrolled three initiatives to cut taxes and government spending that will appear on this November’s ballot.

Colorado’s June revenue forecasts, released on Monday, showed the state is going to have to make more cuts in the 2010-11 budget, on top of the more than $1 billion already slashed from the state budget during the most recent legislative session.

A state-ordered audit of Pinnacol Assurance, the quasi-state worker’s compensation provider, reported that travel expenses and bonus payments are out of line with industry standards and border on abuse.

PARKER — The Douglas County GOP Lincoln dinner — billed as “Circle the Wagons” — was fittingly held at The Wildlife Experience museum and drew about 300 Republicans, mostly clad head-to-foot in western wear. The number of cowboy hats worn during the auction and reception in the lobby rivaled the National Western Stock Show.

COLORADO SPRINGS – Hundreds of “Dudes” and “Gidgets” had a bitchin’ time at the El Paso County GOP’s annual “Beach Party and Chili Cook-off” on June 5 at Mr. Biggs Family Fun Center in Colorado Springs. Before the surfers hit the waves, they elected a popular “Moondoggie” — Andy Merritt — to lead the party and avoid candidate wipeouts in the November election.

DENVER — Thousands of family, friends, fellow veterans and service members gathered at Fort Logan National Cemetery on Memorial Day to honor soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who “served, sacrificed and died on the outposts of freedom.” The 78th Ceremony Honoring Fallen Soldiers included speeches, songs and silent remembrance amid row after row of headstones, each marked with an American flag.